Fuel Distribution Battle: ADITOP Distances Self From NUPENG Strike Threat, Backs Dangote’s Direct Supply Scheme

By NAN

ABUJA — In a dramatic twist to the brewing industrial crisis in Nigeria’s oil sector, the Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products (ADITOP) has publicly disowned the planned nationwide strike by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and its allies.

The National President of ADITOP, Alhaji Lawan Dan-Zaki, made the declaration in Abuja on Monday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), firmly aligning his group with Dangote Refinery’s groundbreaking direct distribution model.

Last week, NUPENG had issued a fiery statement threatening to ground fuel supply across the nation, alleging anti-labour practices tied to the deployment of newly imported compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks by the refinery. The union warned of imminent fuel scarcity if its demands were ignored.

But in a counter move, Dan-Zaki dismissed the strike as “uncalled for”, insisting that ADITOP stood for progress, efficiency, and economic growth.

> “We, members of ADITOP, hereby inform the general public and the federal government that we dissociate ourselves from any intended strike or disruption by NUPENG and its cohorts. We intend to continue moving petroleum products across the country without fear of molestation,” Dan-Zaki declared.

He stressed that ADITOP was fully supportive of Dangote’s direct-to-market scheme, describing it as a bold innovation designed to cut logistics costs, improve efficiency, promote sustainability, and bolster Nigeria’s economic development.

Industry watchers say ADITOP’s position may significantly blunt NUPENG’s leverage, as the association plays a critical role in nationwide petroleum logistics. With Dangote’s direct distribution model gaining traction, the face-off has exposed a deep rift within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector—one that could reshape how fuel gets from refinery to filling station.

As Nigerians brace for possible disruptions, the battle lines are now drawn: NUPENG’s resistance versus ADITOP’s embrace of a new order in petroleum distribution.